ThermiVa uses a special wand applicator which may be applied externally to the labia and vulvar tissues to restore normal tissue tone and function. The specially designed hand piece may also deliver radiofrequency energy inside the vagina to revive atrophic tissue and other structures.

More and more offices around the country are offering this safe, effective treatment option. If you’re considering ThermiVa, it’s important to do your research and ask questions. As a Board Certified Gynecologist, Dr. Mirabile evaluates every Mirabile M.D. patient considering ThermiVa. Although ThermiVa is a non-surgical procedure, there can be risks and it’s important that the patient’s vaginal health is thoroughly evaluated prior to her treatment.

Here are a few of the most common questions we hear from our patients.

Who should provide my ThermiVa treatment?

Many offices are now offering ThermiVa. It’s important to see a Board Certified Gynecologist who specializes in women’s pelvic health when considering this procedure.Vaginal restoration is complicated and the most appropriate clinician for women with any of these associated conditions is someone who is very familiar with female anatomy. Multiple conditions can exist at the same time in a woman’s pelvic zone and conditions not recognized by a dedicated women’s health care provider could be missed and result in major complications.

How does ThermiVa work?

Heat is the source of treatment. There is a chance too much heat may be generated in one area during a procedure which may cause blistering-this can cause some discomfort. ThermiVa is radio frequency heat as opposed to laser generated heat.

What do the treatments cost?

Cost varies significantly from clinician to clinician, from a few hundred dollars per procedure to a few thousand. The individual medical practice sets the price; it tends to be more expensive on the coasts than in the Midwest.

What if I’ve had mesh surgery?

Women who have had mesh, IUD, or any kind of internal devices should be evaluated on a case by case basis. ThermiVa uses radio frequency and is generally appropriate for use in women with mesh. As always, take your questions with you to your consultation and reveal all devices and procedures you’ve had to your clinician for the best outcome.

Will I need more than one treatment?

ThermiVa requires three treatments the first year, and an annual treatment suggested after that to maintain. Women may be happy with results after the first treatment and cancel the other treatments-not a good idea for long term value. It takes three treatments to properly jump-start the collagen rebuild process, which is what generates results that continue over the next year. Long term results are believed to diminish about a year post treatment, thus the need for the annual maintenance treatment.

Do I need to continue my core/floor exercises if I have a vaginal restoration procedure?

It is important women recognize engaging in additional forms of maintenance (pelvic floor and core strengthening) prior to and post treatments will bring them the greatest value in achieving great results. It is important to be proactive, whether utilizing non-surgical or surgical treatments, for the best long term impact.

Will results be different for a woman in her 40s than a woman in her 60s?

Results are typically similar regardless the age of a woman. Success is based on patient feedback; this is about quality of life. There is no standardized test analyzing vaginal tissue post procedure. If the patient recognizes she has less incontinence, or less discomfort from atrophy, or sensation is increased, the procedure has done what it is supposed to do. Impact to a patient’s quality of life is the target.

Do I need to have any tests prior to the treatment?

A pelvic exam is required prior to the procedure to ensure an undiagnosed condition or health concern does not exist; it can be provided by your gynecologist or primary health clinician. On site treatment evaluation should also include info about other pelvic surgeries you’ve had which may cause concerns regarding whether or not the procedure can move forward (for example, complications from hysterectomy or bowel resection that may cause organs to be in a different position or have created excessive scar tissue, or the patient has considerable undiagnosed pain). It may be necessary to go through alternate treatments such as estrogen therapy or dilators to balance your pelvic tissues prior to moving forward with vaginal restoration. These treatments are not a miracle cure to fix all vaginal health conditions.